Brazilian President Lula da Silva acknowledged the need for continued support for Indigenous communities in the Amazon during a visit to Indigenous territories. He praised their role in combating climate change and resumed land demarcation efforts. However, concerns remain regarding the pace of protection and a controversial oil project threatening the rainforest.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil acknowledged during a recent visit to Indigenous territories that substantial work remains for his administration to support Indigenous communities struggling in the Amazon rainforest. His remarks came as preparations intensify for the upcoming UN climate change conference in Belem, where he will emphasize the protection of the Amazon as a key priority of his presidency.
Lula praised Indigenous communities for their significant contributions to combating climate change while visiting the Capoto-Jarina Indigenous Territory in Mato Grosso. His meeting with Chief Raoni Metuktire, a prominent advocate for Indigenous rights, occurred shortly before a large rally by Indigenous Brazilians in Brasília.
Upon resuming power in 2023, Lula resumed the demarcation of Indigenous lands, previously suspended by his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. Despite these efforts, Indigenous leaders have expressed concerns regarding the slow pace of land protection, as official data highlights the reduced rates of deforestation in these demarcated territories.
During their meeting, Raoni urged President Lula to reconsider an offshore oil project at the Amazon River’s mouth, which the government supports for economic growth. The Indigenous communities worry that this project poses severe risks to the rainforest and river ecosystems.
Lula’s administration argues that oil extraction is vital for sustaining Latin America’s largest economy, yet environmental activists have raised alarms about its potential to increase Brazil’s carbon emissions. Raoni warned against prioritizing oil, stating that protecting the environment remains essential to curbing pollution and climate change impacts.
In summary, President Lula recognizes the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities in the Amazon and emphasizes their crucial role in climate change mitigation. Despite efforts to restore protections for Indigenous lands, there are complaints regarding the pace of these initiatives. As Lula pushes for economic development through controversial projects, the concerns of Indigenous leaders, particularly about environmental risks, demand urgent attention and action.
Original Source: www.france24.com
